Method of increasing lung capacity for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage during positioning

ABSTRACT

A method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, includes the steps of: (a) holding a gripping device with both hands above the shoulder planes while positioning upper appendages above the shoulder planes, and, (b) simultaneously performing leg exercise.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 14/120,112 (Attorney Docket NO. ABS-102C), filed on Apr. 28, 2014, and titled “Apparatus For Activating Particular Muscles”, by James R. Winbush and Mahtab Zinati, which is itself a continuation-in-part of previously co-pending, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,145 (Ser. No. 12/027,386, filed on Nov. 12, 2010), and entitled “Exercise Apparatus For Activating The Muscles”.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The present invention generally relates to an application, referred to in the industry as an “app”, for wireless communications devices. It has been developed to enable a subscriber (user) to quickly do the following on his/her wireless communications devices: chose a distance within which the user wishes to travel (travel limits); procure all locations of a particular outdoor activity within the selected distance; procure ranking information to enable the user to make an informed decision as to which location is most preferred, if any. The ranking information is based at least on weather reports, preferably real time weather, and may include traffic considerations, distance and even other location specific criteria, e.g., in the case of snowboarding, the slope conditions (depth of snow and type (packed power; icy; fresh powder)).

b. Description of Related Art

People participate in various exercises, such as aerobic activities, weight training, resistance training, and functional dynamics, to obtain higher levels of fitness. As is common in the fitness industry, basic exercises can be accomplished by using equipment. The use of exercise equipment for physical fitness comes on many forms. As is common in the fitness industry, basic exercises can be accomplished by using equipment. The devices range from simple, jump rope, to the more sophisticated apparatus and devices.

Varied types of exercise apparatuses and methods have been available over the years, with such use being based on the idea of targeting for example, heart rate and improving cardiovascular health, while other physical training apparatuses specifically target certain muscle groups for defining, toning and strengthening them. The size and shape of the apparatuses vary as they invariably depend on the particular needs and circumstances of the purpose for which they will be applied to.

Some exercise apparatuses in the form of specialized vests, body suits, or belts which are attached to the individual's upper body torso or waist, and typically equipped with a resistance component to engage the individual's hands or legs. Known devices for providing resistance to motion during multidirectional movement include weighted vests, belts and arm or leg bands. These devices have disadvantages which will become more apparent with reference to the following disclosure. For example, one disadvantage of a weighted wearable device is that they are often bulky and cumbersome, which may inhibit effective movement and provide resistance in a limited way while running, jogging or walking. The prior art does not provide an effective means for isolating and targeting specific muscle groups without resistance bands or weights during running.

Studies have shown that increased lung capacity in an individual will attain better results in cardiovascular exercise. Lung capacity determines how well the oxygen flows throughout an individual's body. Exercises that increase an individual's lung capacity allow an individual to achieve better results. Direct results can be seen with swimmers, who over time develop the capacity to hold their breath under water for a significant period because of their increased lung capacity. In general athletes with increased lung capacity have greater strength, endurance and stamina.

Runners who desire to have greater strength and endurance need to integrate the strengthening of muscle groups with exercises that increase lung capacity while running. An exercise helpful to increase lung capacity is raising an individual's arms over their head. Several weight bearing exercise equipment strives for similar results where an individual may perform weight lifting exercises to increase lung capacity. In weight training exercises the raising of an individual's hands with weights above their head directly affects the strengthening of their bleep muscles. These exercises produce limited success, in view of the fact there are limited alternatives for duplicating the cardiovascular exercises while running. To date, the prior art has not resolved this need with the existing cardiovascular equipment. Thus, there is a need for cardiovascular equipment and methods that will allow the individual to keep arms up over their head during cardiovascular exercises and provide support for the hands during the same.

The prior art does not provide the benefit of increasing lung capacity while targeting the oblique and bicep muscles through a passive workout while an 5 individual is running. Additionally, several existing cardiovascular equipment promote the natural involuntary arm swinging motion during running which contributes to reducing the individual's endurance while exercising. There remains a need for an affordable, portable, exercise apparatus that is simple and effective, easily fitted on an individual, which will improve the cardiovascular health by increasing the lung capacity of the individual with the benefits of engaging the oblique and bicep muscles while running.

The method and related apparatus disclosed herein involves the passive workout for the oblique and bicep muscles when the hands of the individual grasp the handle grip element installed on the back of the apparatus while running. The arms raised at or above the individual's head and the hands held stationary behind the neck while running activate the oblique and bicep muscles, thereby providing a passive workout for these muscles while running, where the individual's natural bodyweight is the resistance, or acts as the only resistance, and no other additional weight or resistance is required. The apparatus disclosed herein permits the arms to be raised up over the individual's head and the hands held stationary behind the neck, exposing the oblique muscles, increasing the tension and stress on the oblique muscles for the duration of time that the individual is running. Thus the apparatus and method disclosed herein targets, strengthens, tones and adds definition to the oblique muscles. Additionally when the arms are brought up over the head and held stationary behind the neck, the arm muscles, including the bicep muscles, are engaged and exposed to the natural stress and tension for the duration of time that the individual is running. Thus the apparatus disclosed herein also targets, strengthens, tones and adds definition to the bicep muscles. Moreover, in assisting the raising of an individual's arms while running, the apparatus disclosed herein increases the lung capacity of the individual during running, thus allowing for the increase oxygen exchange and dissolution. The present invention method increases the individual's tolerance, endurance and strength while preventing the natural swinging movement of the individual's arms while running.

The present invention method disclosed herein satisfies these long felt needs by adding the benefits of a passive workout for the oblique and bicep muscles to the common exercise of running, and solves the limitations of the prior art in a new and novel manner. Following are related prior art:

U.S. Pat. No. 3,697,065 to Glassburner issued October 1972 describes and illustrates a training aid for maintaining the body of a runner in a proper sprinting form from start to finish during a race. The apparatus includes base plate means adapted for connection with the torso of the sprinter, head engaging means for engaging the sprinter's head, and connecting means for coupling the head engaging means with the base plate means so as to maintain the head and neck of the runner in an extended forward position relative to the torso during sprinting.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,362 to Ghobadi issued November 1999 discloses a stirrup for each hand, a knee band for each knee, and an ankle band for each ankle. The harness includes front and back straps and is attached to the belt in the front and the back. A loop is attached on the harness at each shoulder for receiving an elastic cord. At least two more loops are attached to the back strap to receive elastic cords. Specialized channels in the knee band are adapted to receive elastic cords that are attached to the belt and the ankle. A method of use for practicing punching and blocking motions includes passing an elastic cord through the loops on the back harness strap, grasping each end of the cord with either hand, and repeatedly punching and blocking. A method of use for practicing kicking includes attaching elastic bands to the belt, passing them through the specialized channels on the knee band, attaching the cords at the ankle, and repeatedly kicking. The elastic cords provide resistance to the muscles, thereby improving muscle group coordination, strength, and response time. A specialized glove, sit-up wedge, and hand stirrup for use with the invention are disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,792 to Gee issued October 2000 relates to a support harness for a child to be used when learning activities such as skating, in-line skating, and bicycling. The support harness comprises a length adjustable chest strap having a releasable fastener, a left and right length adjustable shoulder strap, each of the shoulder straps being connected by slidable loops to the length adjustable chest strap at anterior and posterior chest strap regions; and a length adjustable handle strap with a grasping region. The handle strap is connected to the left and right shoulder straps at left and right posterior shoulder strap positions. The design and the materials used in its construction allow this support harness to be manufactured at minimal cost. It has been found that the points of support, near the shoulders and approximately aligned to the back of the neck region of the child allow the child to maintain an appropriate posture for skating and bicycling.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,011 to Cook issued August 2002 discloses an exercise harness connected to an unweighting system with shoulder straps. The exercise harness having a waist belt suspended by the shoulder straps which belt may be secured to a user. The exercise harness further having left and right legs or knee bands connected to the waist strap with a left front strap and a right front strap, respectively. A strap is provided forming a sliding “W” connection between the waist belt and the two leg bands to allow for freedom of leg movement when walking, running or jogging. The exercise harness is also provided with a gait modification strap having one end secured to the waist belt and the other end secured to one of the leg bands after wrapping the gait strap partially around a leg of the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,590 to Toven issued December 2006 describes an apparatus for training a runner a proper arm-swing technique includes a body harness, and first and second engagement members for engaging the wrists or hands of the user. In one embodiment, the engagement members are grips that the user grasps while running. The apparatus further includes first and second upper straps configured to attach to the body harness and to the wrist coverings. The apparatus also includes first and second lower straps configured to attach to the body harness and to the wrist coverings. The body harness may be configured as a vest or formed from a plurality of straps. The arm-swing apparatus may further include first and second back springs configured to attach to the body harness and to a belt configured to fit around the waist of the runner. A method of using the arm-swing training apparatus is also disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,874,970 to Glisan issued January 2011 relates to a rotational sports training and conditioning system has a hip harness, a torso harness, a pair of adjustable connectors that connect diagonally from the torso harness to the hip harness, an elongated cord and a club band. The hip and torso harnesses each have selectively positioned cord loops for attachment of the cord and/or the club band. The connectors selectively synchronize relative rotation of the pelvis and torso for swing, strike or throw training and conditioning. The cord assists or resists rotational motions. The club band synchronizes arm positioning and forearm rotation with rotation of the pelvis and upper torso.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is a method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, which comprises: (a) holding a gripping device with both hands above the shoulder planes while positioning upper appendages above the shoulder planes, and, (b) simultaneously performing leg exercise.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the leg exercise is selected from the group consisting of walking, running, cycling and hydro ambulatory exercise.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the gripping device includes a body attachment mechanism for attachment to the body of a user and wherein said gripping device is attached to the body of a user during said holding.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the gripping device includes straps for strapping said gripping device to a user's torso.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the gripping device includes at least one upwardly extending hand grip portion.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the gripping device includes at least two upwardly extending hand grip portions.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the gripping device includes at least one upwardly extending hand grip portion.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the gripping device includes at least two upwardly extending hand grip portions.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the straps include a pair of shoulder straps and a belt connected to lower extremes of said shoulder straps.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the shoulder straps and said belt are length adjustable.

In some other present invention embodiments, the method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, includes: (a) holding a gripping device with both hands above the shoulder planes while positioning upper appendages above the shoulder planes, and, (b) simultaneously performing leg exercise, wherein, the gripping device is an apparatus for activating particular muscles, comprising: i) a belt with two ends wherein said belt is mountable on the torso region of an individual wearer, said belt having a rear portion for traversing a lower back of said individual wearer and a front portion for traversing a front of said individual wearer; ii) a pair of shoulder straps connected to a back support wherein each of said pair of shoulder straps includes two ends on each strap wherein at least one of said ends of each of said shoulder straps is connected to said belt and wherein another end of said shoulder straps is connected to a top portion of said back support wherein said shoulder straps may be expandable to a size for said individual wearer; iii) said back support positioned between and connecting to said pair of shoulder straps in a rear portion of said apparatus and said back support connecting to said belt through a back support connection means whereby said back support is mountable against said back region of said individual wearer; and, iv) at least one stationary hand grip element connected and extending from said back support mountable on back of said individual wearer and including said back support having a relatively elongated base wherein said at least one hand grip element is sized and shaped to be grasped by said individual wearer and further sized and shaped to retain said individual wearer's hands in an immovable position behind said individual wearer's neck.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the apparatus has two stationary hand grip elements connected and extending from said back support.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the apparatus further comprises securing means positioned on said ends of said belt for adjustably securing said apparatus about torso region of said individual wearer.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the securing means is selected from the group consisting of a buckle, hook and loop fastener, button, buttonhole, clip, zipper, hook and eye fastener, snap, a plurality of monofilament hooks in cooperation with a plurality of monofilament loops, a magnet, a thread and combinations thereof.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, each of said pair of shoulder straps are configured to be hung each on one shoulder of said individual wearer, extending from the rear of said apparatus to a front portion of said apparatus.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the apparatus further comprises adjustable means on said shoulder straps for adjusting each shoulder strap for said individual wearer's comfort.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, at least one hand grip element is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of moldable material selected from the group consisting of cloth, wool, elastic, cotton, nylon, plastic, polymer, rubber, silicone, metal, padding, cushion, foam, synthetic, fabric, neoprene, anti-slip fabric, anti-slide fabric, insulation, and combinations.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the hand grip element is securely affixed to said back support by fixation means.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the belt, said hand grip element and said shoulder straps are elasticized and stretchable.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, the apparatus further comprises adjustable means on said belt for adjusting said belt for said individual's comfort and fit.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS(S)

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a FIG. 1 shows an exercise apparatus used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention method;

FIG. 2 is another embodiment of exercise apparatus used in the present invention method;

FIG. 3 is yet another embodiment exercise apparatus used in of the present invention method;

FIG. 4 is an exercise apparatus used in present invention method shown in use with an individual wearer, and,

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the present invention methods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention emanates from the idea that the body's natural physiological response after a cardiovascular activity was to raise the arms above the head, inherently accomplishing the following: (a) Increased vital capacity; (b) Increased oxygen exchange; and (c) Increased oxygen delivery to muscle tissues. Based on this observation, the present invention method assists and provides the following benefits in the persons performing physical activity or exercise: 1.) To assist the user to keep the appendages (arms) elevated above the shoulder planes. Thus forcing increased rotational motion in the oblique muscles and increased isolation in the exercising of the abdominal and core muscles. The arms being above the head forces an increased torsion stress on the external and internal oblique muscles secondary to forward locomotion kinesiology. The oblique muscles' purpose is to rotate the body in the transverse plane. The forced increased torsion stress, on the oblique muscles, allows the benefits of focused exercise of the aforementioned muscle groups. 2.) It also benefits the user secondary to the position of the arms during use, by allowing the expansion of the chest wall, thus increased lung capacity that will result increased oxygen exchange. The increased oxygen exchange thus gives the user all the benefits of an increased vital capacity. (See the resulting benefits of increased oxygen exchange, discussed below.) 3.) The method forces a runner to assume the correct posture during the activity of running which are: It forces the user to keep the shoulders, hips, and ankles in the perfect vertical line of support not bending too far forward or running too straight up. 4.) The method allows the user all the benefits for the following muscle groups of passive exercise: Biceps; Triceps; Trapezius; Deltoids; Latissimus; Oblique; and, Rectus Abdominis. The exercise obtained is an isotonic sustained intense exercise. (compare passive exercise.)

Additional benefits are obtained from the present invention methods are user specific. Here are some examples: (a) The ELDERLY WALKER who needs the increased oxygen exchange for multiple benefits; (b) anyone with FLABBY TRICEPS. There is an obvious benefit in focused exercise and increased arm tones with exercise using the absrunner; (c) the new sport MMA (mixed martial arts), where punching power is an obvious advantage. The present invention method clearly increases oblique muscles strength, secondary to intense focused intense aerobic exercise of the oblique muscles. This creates greater rotational force thus allotting greater punching power.

The following is based on recent scientific studies that support the stated benefits of the present invention methods and related devices:

Benefits of arm swinging thus perceived benefits of arms not swinging during bipedal gait.

Benefits of Arm Swinging

1. Decreased vertical displacement of center of mass; 2. Prevention of uncontrolled arm movements; 3. Stability in walking; 4. Evidenced benefit secondary to increase in energy cost when arms are prevented from swinging; 5. Prevention of destabilizing twisting motions; 6. Reduce ground reaction moments; 7. Reduced metabolic requirements for leg muscles in producing torques; 8. Arms act as mass dampers decreasing the amplitude of upper body reaction; 9. Changing the moment of inertia of the arms results in increased effects on amplitude of the upper body rotation; 10. Arm swinging is a passive motion but its role is to make the stride more energy efficient. It does this by counterbalancing your hips and torso and keeping them both from twisting too much. 11. This is proven by the fact that if a person holds the arms to their sides during ambulation, it requires 12 percent more energy than if their arms are allowed to swing naturally; 12. Also, forcing the arms to swing in sync with the leg on the same side of the body requires a 26 percent more energy than normal ambulation.

Benefits of Arms not Swinging:

The benefits of the present invention method, which restrict the arm swinging motion, will benefit the user by at least some of the following: 1. Increased energy spent; 2. Increased twisting motion of the upper body; 3. Increased metabolic cost of the legs during ambulation; 4. Instability during ambulation, thus inferring increased core muscles contraction and recruitment to maintain stability, while arms are above the head.

To summarize, the present invention method creates more muscle building work for the user while at the same time expanding lung surface area to increase oxygen exchange—a win-win proposition.

Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, various embodiments of devices used in the present invention method are shown.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment of the present invention method exercise apparatus 1. Exercise apparatus 1 includes a belt 3 with two ends 5, 7 wherein the belt 3 is mountable on the torso region of an individual wearer and the belt 3 is connectable to a pair of shoulder straps 9, 11. The belt 3 includes two ends wherein the belt is mountable on the torso region of an individual wearer, the belt having a rear portion for traversing a lower back of the individual wearer and a front portion for traversing a front portion of said individual wearer.

In some embodiments, the belt 3 includes securing means positioned at the ends 5, 7 of the belt 3 for adjustably securing the exercise apparatus 1 about the torso region of an individual. Securing means comprises any one or more of the following: buckle, hook and loop fastener, button, buttonhole, clip, zipper, hook and eye fastener, snap, a plurality of monofilament hooks in cooperation with a plurality of monofilament loops, a magnet, a thread and combinations thereof. The belt may be adjustable by virtue of a buckle type fitting, a ring and slide adjustment, or any other means for modifying the effective length of the belt 3 known and used in the arts. In some embodiments, the belt is formed from a firm but elasticized material, e.g. neoprene, suitable textile, cloth, fabric, leather, plastic, or tightly woven plastic for wearability and comfort against the individual's skin. In some embodiments, the inner face of the belt 3 may be lined for comfort and wearibility with velvet, cushion, foam, fabric or any other types of materials that are known and used in the arts. a pair of shoulder straps connected to a back support wherein each of said pair of shoulder straps includes two ends on each strap wherein at least one of said ends of each of said shoulder straps is connected to said belt and wherein another end of said shoulder straps is connected to a top portion of said back support wherein said shoulder straps may be expandable to a size for said individual wearer.

Exercise apparatus 1 further comprises a pair of shoulder straps 9, 11 connected to a back support 3 wherein each of the shoulder straps 9, 11 includes two ends 23, 25, 27, 29 on each strap wherein at least one of the ends of each of the shoulder straps is connected to the belt and wherein another end of the shoulder straps is connected to a back support member 19. The shoulder straps 9, 11 may be expandable to a size for the individual wearer. The back support 31 includes two apertures 25, 27 for the shoulder straps 9, 11 to be threaded through the back support top portion 31. In some embodiments, the shoulder straps 9, 11 are designed to be hung on both shoulders of an individual, extending from a rear portion of the apparatus 1 and extending from the rear portion of the exercise apparatus 1. In some embodiments, the shoulder straps 9, 11 are elasticized to provide a firm fit. In other embodiments, the shoulder straps 9, 11 comprise of adjustable means 33 on the shoulder straps 9, 11 for adjusting each of the shoulder straps 9, 11 for an individual wearer's comfort and fit. Adjustable means may include, but is not limited to a ring and slide adjustment, or any other adjustable means 33 that are known and used in the arts.

In some embodiments, the shoulder straps 9, 11 may be detachably connected to the belt by fasteners (not shown) such as but not limited to a buckle, hook and loop fastener, button, buttonhole, clip, zipper, hook and eye fastener, snap, a plurality of monofilament hooks in cooperation with a plurality of monofilament loops, a magnet, a thread, glue, sticky tack, any other means of attaching one object to another known and used in the arts, and combinations thereof.

Exercise apparatus 1 includes the back support member 19 positioned between and connecting to the pair of shoulder straps 9, 11 in the rear portion of the apparatus and wherein at least one of said back support member 19 and said pair of shoulder straps 9, 11 is connected to said rear portion of said belt 3 whereby said back support member 19 is mountable against said back region of said individual wearer. The back support member 19 may be formed from one or more materials consisting of the following suitable textile, cloth, fabric, plastic, metal, sturdy rigid or semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, the back support member 19 is elasticized. In other embodiments, the back support member 19 is securely affixed to the shoulder straps 9, 11 by stitches, buttons, magnets, a clip, hook and loop fastener, a zipper, glue or any other means of securely attaching one object to another. In some embodiments, the back support member 19 is detachably fixed to the shoulder straps 9, 11 by seams of the back support member 19. The seams are in mating arrangement with the shoulder straps wherein any means of attaching one object to another known and used in the arts. In other embodiments, back support member 19 is securely affixed to the shoulder straps 9. The back support member 19 may be an assembly of parts, but is preferably a single unistructural element, i.e., a single element, such as a single molded or cast piece. It may be rigid, semi-flexible or partially semi-flexible. In one embodiment the hand grip elements are flexible or semi-flexible to provided arcing during exercises.

The exercise apparatus 1 includes at least one stationary hand grip element, but here two are included, hand grips 35, 37 connected and extending from the back support member 19 mountable on a back of the individual wearer and including the back support member 19 having a relatively elongated base 39 wherein the hand grip elements 35, 37 are sized and shaped to be grasped by the individual wearer and further sized and shaped to retain the individual wearer's hands in an immovable position behind the individual wearer's neck.

The apparatus further comprises securing means positioned on the ends of the belt for adjustably securing the apparatus about torso region of the individual wearer. The securing means is selected from the group consisting of a buckle, hook and loop fastener, button, buttonhole, clip, zipper, hook and eye fastener, snap, a plurality of monofilament hooks in cooperation with a plurality of monofilament loops, a magnet, a thread and combinations thereof.

The at least one hand grip element 35, 37 is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of moldable material, cloth, wool, elastic, cotton, nylon, plastic, polymer, rubber, silicone, metal, padding, cushion, foam, synthetic, fabric, neoprene, anti-slip fabric, anti-slide fabric, insulation, and combinations thereof. The hand grip element 35, 37 is securely affixed to the back support by fixation means 41. The fixation means may be a patch or any other type of fixation means known in the art.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention apparatus for activating different muscles, the belt 3, the hand grip elements 35, 37 and the shoulder straps 9, 11 are elasticized and stretchable. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention apparatus for activating different muscles 1, the apparatus 1 further comprises adjustable means 33 on the belt 3 for adjusting the belt 3 for the individual's comfort and fit.

The apparatus 1 is used in various ways to execute the present invention method-expanding lung capacity while exercising to increase oxygen exchange.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the present invention method exercise apparatus 10 wherein most of the elements are identical to those of FIG. 1, and hence are identically numbered and need not be repeated here in detail. However, hand grips 135 and 137 are shorter and include straps 139 and 141 for the user to hold during exercises.

FIG. 3 shows an exercise apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the methods of the present invention. Exercise apparatus 20 is shown wherein most of the elements are identical to those of FIG. 1, and hence are identically numbered and need not be repeated here in detail. However, the two hand grips have been eliminated. Top section 201 of the back support member 19 now has a single hand grip 203 with a top flange 205, as shown. This single hand grip 203 may be gripped with one hand or with both (hand atop hand or hand above hand) and elbow butterfly exercises may be performed by a user, e.g., while jogging. Alternatively, hand grip 203 may be flexible and arcing or rotating arm exercises may be performed.

FIG. 4 shows an individual 500 wearing exercise apparatus 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention method, being used while running. The rear portion of exercise apparatus 40 is shown. Exercise apparatus 40 includes the belt 410 mounted on the torso region of an individual and connected to a pair of shoulder straps in the front (hidden), that are hung on both shoulders of the individual and are connected to a back support member 402. Back support member 402 has a bottom portion 406 with slots for belt 410, as shown. The top portion 404 of back support member 402 is connected to the tops of the shoulder snaps mentioned above (also hidden). Extending from top portion 404 are hand grips 412 and 414. Hands 501 and 503 of individual 500 are gripping hand grips 412 and 414 respectively as shown, while she is running. She may flex hand grips 412 and 414 in a wishbone exercise wherein she will move her elbows toward her ribs and then cyclically away from and then returning toward her ribs. Alternatively, she may flex her elbows forward and backward in a butterfly exercise without moving hand grips 412 and 414.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing some preferred embodiments of the present invention method (box 550). The two critical steps involve holding a gripping device with both hands above the shoulder planes (tops of the shoulders), box 551, and simultaneously performing leg exercises, box 553. Leg exercises means exercises that involve repetitious movement of the legs that do not require critical use of the hands. Box 555 illustrates some preferred features of the gripping device that may be used in the present invention methods. Box 557 illustrates some of the preferred present invention leg exercises.

In general, when using the present invention and when the hands of the individual grasp the handle grip elements on the rear portion of the apparatus, the individual's hands may be held stationary behind the neck while running. This activates the oblique and bicep muscles, thereby providing a passive workout for these muscles while running, where the individual's natural bodyweight is the only resistance. The handle grip elements permit the arms to be raised up over the individual's head and the hands held stationary behind the neck, exposing the oblique muscles, increasing the tension and stress on the oblique muscles, and at the same engaged and exposed the bicep muscles to the natural stress and tension, for the duration of time that the individual is running. Thus the apparatus disclosed herein targets, strengthens, tones and adds definition to the oblique and bicep muscles.

All of the devices herein may be used as described in conjunction with present invention exercise methods above.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. While developed for outdoor use or outdoor exposure, it should be understood that the present invention methods can be used in any environment, such as a school, sports club or any other environment where lockers are employed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, which comprises: (a) holding a gripping device with both hands above the shoulder planes while positioning upper appendages above the shoulder planes, and, (b) simultaneously performing leg exercise.
 2. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 1 wherein said leg exercise is selected from the group consisting of walking, running, cycling and hydro ambulatory exercise.
 3. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 1 wherein said gripping device includes a body attachment mechanism for attachment to the body of a user and wherein said gripping device is attached to the body of a user during said holding.
 4. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 3 wherein said gripping device includes straps for strapping said gripping device to a user's torso.
 5. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 3 wherein said gripping device includes at least one upwardly extending hand grip portion.
 6. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 3 wherein said gripping device includes at least two upwardly extending hand grip portions.
 7. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 4 wherein said gripping device includes at least one upwardly extending hand grip portion.
 8. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 4 gripping device includes at least two upwardly extending hand grip portions.
 9. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 4 wherein said straps include a pair of shoulder straps and a belt connected to lower extremes of said shoulder straps.
 10. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 9 wherein said shoulder straps and said belt are length adjustable.
 11. A method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise, which comprises: (a) holding a gripping device with both hands above the shoulder planes while positioning upper appendages above the shoulder planes, and, (b) simultaneously performing leg exercise, wherein, said gripping device is an apparatus for activating particular muscles, comprising: i) a belt with two ends wherein said belt is mountable on the torso region of an individual wearer, said belt having a rear portion for traversing a lower back of said individual wearer and a front portion for traversing a front of said individual wearer; ii) a pair of shoulder straps connected to a back support wherein each of said pair of shoulder straps includes two ends on each strap wherein at least one of said ends of each of said shoulder straps is connected to said belt and wherein another end of said shoulder straps is connected to a top portion of said back support wherein said shoulder straps may be expandable to a size for said individual wearer; iii) said back support positioned between and connecting to said pair of shoulder straps in a rear portion of said apparatus and said back support connecting to said belt through a back support connection means whereby said back support is mountable against said back region of said individual wearer; and, iv) at least one stationary hand grip element connected and extending from said back support mountable on back of said individual wearer and including said back support having a relatively elongated base wherein said at least one hand grip element is sized and shaped to be grasped by said individual wearer and further sized and shaped to retain said individual wearer's hands in an immovable position behind said individual wearer's neck.
 12. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 11 wherein said apparatus has two stationary hand grip elements connected and extending from said back support.
 13. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 11 wherein said apparatus further comprises securing means positioned on said ends of said belt for adjustably securing said apparatus about torso region of said individual wearer.
 14. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 14 wherein said securing means is selected from the group consisting of a buckle, hook and loop fastener, button, buttonhole, clip, zipper, hook and eye fastener, snap, a plurality of monofilament hooks in cooperation with a plurality of monofilament loops, a magnet, a thread and combinations thereof.
 15. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 11 wherein each of said pair of shoulder straps are configured to be hung each on one shoulder of said individual wearer, extending from the rear of said apparatus to a front portion of said apparatus.
 16. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 11 wherein said apparatus further comprises adjustable means on said shoulder straps for adjusting each shoulder strap for said individual wearer's comfort.
 17. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 11 wherein said at least one hand grip element is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of moldable material selected from the group consisting of cloth, wool, elastic, cotton, nylon, plastic, polymer, rubber, silicone, metal, padding, cushion, foam, synthetic, fabric, neoprene, anti-slip fabric, anti-slide fabric, insulation, and combinations.
 18. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 11 wherein said hand grip element is securely affixed to said back support by fixation means.
 19. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 11 wherein said belt, said hand grip element and said shoulder straps are elasticized and stretchable.
 20. The method of increasing lung capacity by increasing lung surface area for enhanced oxygen exchange using upper appendage positioning during exercise of claim 11 wherein said apparatus further comprises adjustable means on said belt for adjusting said belt for said individual's comfort and fit. 